Jun 28 2013

"Medicine is changing so quickly that it's difficult to keep up, and impossible to predict the future," says School of Health Professions Physican Assistant Studies Chair Lawrence Herman, PA, in a Q&A for PAs Connect. "Fortunately, PAs are perfectly positioned in this new era, and I'm excited about helping to lead them through this change. We can dramatically alter the healthcare landscape in this country and positive impact our patients."

Herman, who is also president of the American Academy of Physican Assistants, adds: "PAs should be concerned about many things, starting with being the best possible clinicians and taking care of patients at the highest level. PAs have always done that well, and we need to continue to escalate our clinical acumen. But PAs also need to take on leadership roles. This includes all settings, from hospitals to the smallest private practice. You can be a champion in diabetes care, spearhead a new EHR or volunteer to sit on or even chair a committee in your hospital."